is gone. Leaves turn from green

to gold, the reddest scarlet, and mauve.

They dance their final fiery

love song before the fall.

My heart, this year preoccupied

by illness and death, almost didn’t notice

all the beauty.

Yet on a pensive walk

it received a tugging jolt.

My eyes, who could not resist,

as Imminent curiosity is

their game

beckon the compassionate

one to attention.